Schools

SOMA Schools Begin Search for New Superintendent

District expects to have a new permanent superintendent in place by Jan. 1, 2015.

The South Orange-Maplewood School District has begun its search for a new superintendent following the resignation this week of Brian Osborne.

Assistant Superintendent James Memoli will take over as acting superintendent on July 1 and the Board of Education plans to secure "an interim superintendent from outside the District who will begin as soon as possible after July 1 and no later than Sept. 1," according to a district statement released Wednesday.

The district's business administrator is also soliciting proposals for a superintendent search firm. The board hopes to award the search consultant contract at its June 16 meeting.

The district is planning to have a new permanent superintendent in place by Jan. 1, 2015.

Osborne, who had been with the SOMA school district since May 2007, resigned Monday after accepting the superintendent position in New Rochelle, N.Y.

"Under Dr. Osborne's tireless leadership, the District has made great strides in improving teaching and learning in every classroom for the benefit of every child," Board President Beth Daugherty said. 

"His strategic leadership has also well prepared our staff for the numerous education reforms that have been adopted by the State.  New Rochelle is fortunate to have found such a talented and dedicated leader and we wish Dr. Osborne well in his new position."

Osborne, whose last day with the SOMA district will be June 30, nearly left last year when he was offered the superintendent's position in Ann Arbor, Mich. However, he turned down the offer, citing "unfinished work" with the SOMA district and the impact the move to Michigan would have on his family.

“I am excited to join New Rochelle, and at the same time, the thought of leaving South Orange-Maplewood is heartrending," Osborne said in the district's statement. 

"Serving as superintendent in SOMSD has been rewarding beyond description.  Learning, growing, and leading with you in this vibrant district is a dream job.  I have been inspired to witness a school community rising to the challenge of increasing equity and excellence to maximize the potential of every child.  Personally, I am grateful that so many of you generously understood that the superintendent is another learner in a learning organization, and allowed me to learn with you. I am proud of all we have accomplished together these past seven years, and I look forward to watching the progress SOMSD continues to make in preparing all students for success."   


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